More than 500 cars have been seized and 66 people arrested so far in an operation targeting uninsured drivers in London.

The day-long operation, overseen by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, is also designed to disrupt other criminal activity.

Up to 80% of uninsured drivers were involved in other crimes, he said.

Incidents of uninsured driving on Merseyside fell by 40% after Mr Hogan-Howe used the measure there.

"[Uninsured drivers] are also more likely to be involved in crashes and have unsafe cars, so we're taking this action to make London's roads safer," the commissioner added.

"This is the first of the operations I have asked for where officers across the Met will spend a dedicated day on a regular basis targeting uninsured drivers and those believed to be connected to crime."

Roadside checks

The arrests were made for crimes including possessing drugs or an offensive weapon, driving whilst disqualified and driving while wanted on an arrest warrant.

The operation, which involved 1,000 officers, also led to a stolen lorry being stopped in Horseferry Road, Westminster, central London, a few minutes after it was reported stolen.